Happy Tails Dog Training LLC

Deborah Ostema

2023-11

Highly recommend Happy Tails!!My dog Quinn attended Basic Manners.His trainer Maggie was Amazing!The assistant trainers did a great job as well!Quinn has some special needs and Maggie was more than willing to adapt afew things when needed. All the staff are knowledgeable, patient, and kind.Also great communication, with follow up emails each week.The facility is very clean, and spacious.

Stacy Nelson

2024-03

I can’t say enough good things about happy tails! The trainers are great to work with. I love that they help with concerns with your pet even if it isn’t something actively being worked on in class. They are always there to help. Even in group classes I still feel like I get individual help. I recommend training with Happy Tails anytime someone is looking for recommendations.

Lindsey Yager

2023-12

I was very impressed. We took the basic behaviors class and our class focused on dogs learning how to interact with people and other pets. We had plenty of room to do that. The facility was very clean. And the employees were amazing! 10/10 would recommend and definitely take another class.

Matt LeFebre

2023-05

I cannot recommend happy tails enough. We brought Chloe, our rescue pit bull with extreme anxiety and dog reactivity, to Melissa and her team at happy tails for private training. We were blown away by their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to cater their training to exactly what Chloe needed and worked at her speed. The atmosphere at their training center is incredibly positive, with plenty of space and resources to work your dog exactly how you need. The utilization of slash (and countless other working dogs) to communicate dog-to-dog I would argue cannot be found anywhere else. We attended over a year of private training sessions and we had a completely new dog by the time we finished. The thing we appreciated the most about HT was how much they genuinely CARED about us and the well being of Chloe. We weren’t just another customer to them, they treat you like family and work with your dog as if they’re working with their own dog. The communication between us and the HT team was second to none. Where we knew we could email or call with a question and we would have an incredibly detailed response within 1 or 2 days. They are miracle workers and are worth every penny you will spend here. I recommend HT exclusively to anyone who ever asks about dog training, and wouldn’t steer a single person in any other direction. We cannot thank HT enough for everything they did for our Chloe ❤️

Hannah Tavalire

2023-12

Love love love this company! We have had both of our dogs in small group puppy and manners classes and it has made a world of difference. The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and kind. We love Happy Tails!!

Sue Melinn

2023-05

This has been such a positive experience. Alex, our trainer, so informative and so easy to follow. Our dog is doing awesome! We will for sure be coming back for the next level training. I hope Alex is available for that as well.

Jules VanHorn

2023-05

The staff at Happy Tails was so helpful from the start of signing up our 1yo lab Cub to the multiple communications sent during the 6 week manners class. We had wonderful trainers, Cindy and Melissa. There were multiple techniques taught to us as "parents" to start with gaining our dog's focus and building each week for positive reinforcement on the behaviors we wanted to see. The follow up emails from them with detailed class reviews were very helpful. The facility is clean and plenty of space for the multiple dog class. Even though Cub was the most "active and excited" pup in class - Cindy and Melissa's positive attitudes made us feel welcomed and not embarrassed that he wasn't the best student to start. They offer private sessions as well and we're looking forward to Cub getting a couple of those to continue with what we've learned. Thank you Cindy and Melissa for treating Cub like one of your own and helping us along the way :)

Christina’s Craft Room

2023-05

We had an outstanding first class at Happy Tails! My dog, Frodo, really responded well to the positive reinforcement and encouragement they suggest. Great puppy class. We will be back for Frodo and our other dog, Leia! ❤️

Dee Mcallister

2023-05

I was very concerned about my 3 year old Cocker Spaniel Gracie's behavior toward other dogs. My son recommended Happy Tails for training because the group puppy training for their dog was great and even included a visit to their home. The private lessons I signed Gracie up for were very effective. Their strategies were designed for her particular issues. My trainer was available for question through email.Present at each session were my trainer and someone typing a "transcript" of each session, which was emailed to me. This record helped remind me of what we worked on and as a guide for the trainer to review and then design the next session around that. Plus, they made a visit to my home, as well.Very effective. A great business model.Love them and love the personal planning and attention they gave Gracie!

Sandy Marie

2023-10

What a wonderful experience this has been for us and our 6 months old Lab. Tricia, our trainer, is so knowledgeable, professional, intuitive, and her heart is totally with her students. We learned lifetime skills and gained understandings that we never could have read in a book or gotten on line. Thank you so very much.

Kady Osentoski

2022-05

Happy Tails has taught my puppy and me so many valuable training tips. I have taken a group class and a few private sessions and I definitely recommend both. The thing that really sets this place apart from others is the amazing trainers but also the time they put into recap emails. Sometimes after training I forget some of the things covered and I can always go back and reference those emails. I cannot express how amazing all of the trainers are. They really take the time to get to know your dog and work on behaviors your dog is struggling with. Overall I would definitely recommend Happy Tails and I plan on taking more classes in the future!

Alyssa Kay

2020-05

Happy Tails has been a wonderful and caring place for dog training! We have taken puppy class and are now in advanced puppy class. They are very helpful inside class and out, answering email questions throughout the week. Mirissa has been an AWESOME trainer to work with and I look forward to continuing to work with her! The owner Melissa even came in to help one class with our especially bark-y pup. It was so nice to feel taken care of. Highly recommend!!

Courtney Upchurch

2022-05

If you're considering dog training, stop looking as you've found the right place. Happy Tails has worked miracles for our family! We had previously worked with a different dog training company that literally told us we needed to get rid of one of our dogs as she would never be able to be get along with the other pup in our household. We were heartbroken as an "expert" was telling us this, and she knows better than us, right? Nope. Thank goodness we gave training another try, but with Happy Tails the second time. Boy, what a game changer! Melissa came to our house and immediately bonded with both of our dogs. It was amazing to see after we were essentially told our one dog was unredeemable. With each session we had with Melissa, things substantially improved in our household. Our dogs eventually got to a place where they not only got along, but were best friends. We never would've been able to experience that if it wasn't for Melissa. She truly is a dog whisperer, and even though its been years since we worked with her, we still regularly mention how thankful we are for her. I've referred other people to Happy Tails, and I've yet to hear anything but praise for Melissa and her team.

Michaele Demarest

2021-05

Happy Tails is a wonderful training facility not only for puppies and dogs but also for owners as well! Our experience with Happy Tails has been fabulous. Melissa, Mirissa, Cindy, Alyssa, Emma, Maddie and all of the trainers are professional, guiding, and compassionate. We have learned so much and our dogs have flourished in all of the classes. We love being part of the Happy Tails family - we highly recommend!!

Deanna Brown

2021-05

Everyone we worked with was really great. My dog and I worked mainly with Alyssa and Mirissa, they are amazing! Very knowledgeable, very kind and understanding. I learned so much! I know my dog did too, but I think it was easy for him! I realize that dog training is really for the humans ;) The facility is wonderful. The working dogs are awesome. I am extremely happy I chose Happy Tails for our training. Top notch, quality, professional, and compassionate.. exactly what we needed.

Laura Witkowski

2021-05

We had a great experience at Happy Tails puppy class! Mirissa and Cindy were so kind, patient and positive. I appreciate all the tools and tricks they gave us for our puppy. Always willing to answer whatever questions we had. We highly recommend Happy Tails!

Julia Snyder

2020-05

I brought my sweet, but sometimes stubborn dog to Happy Tails for private sessions with the owner Melissa. She was so wonderful, helpful, and patient on our first consultation/lesson. The staff is friendly and experienced, and the facility is nice and open as well as clean, and I could not recommend it more. Very excited to return for more sessions!

Ellie Koetsier

2020-05

Happy Tails Dog Training has been the best dog training facility and program we have been able to find in the West Michigan area. We loved the personalized training, care, and techniques that were taught to my husband and I in our pursuit of raising a somewhat tricky herding breed - without any livestock to herd! We did our research about Blue Heeler/Australian Shepherd breeds upon adopting our little puppy but the Happy Tails team helped us to use what natural instinct our dog had to have a task/job to do and used that to our advantage by learning how to train our dog to look to us for instruction and direction especially when she was to get into a tricky situation with other dogs who were rude. She is amazing on leash now and doesn't struggle with reacting to other dogs now - we are so grately! Mirissa & Elena did a great job teaching us ways to get our furbaby to follow commands, gain confidence, and be excited to interact and do life with other dogs. I would HIGHLY recommend Happy Tails to anyone looking for trainers for whatever skill set you may want to gain with training your dog. They do amazing work!

Kacie Zolkowski

2021-05

What a wonderful experience! Alyssa was SO nice and knowledgeable and helpful and my pup loved going to class! Would give 10 stars if I could! We will definitely be taking part in the next advanced class! Thanks to the Happy Tails Dog Training team!

Lindsey Loo

2023-06

I had a WONDERFUL experience training my first puppy. Marissa was very informative and did a great job catering to the individual needs of the puppies. They were accommodating with making up classes and offered private lessons when class was canceled due to weather. I feel like I leaned a lot of valuable skills and have a much better grasp on how to get my dog how to behave in public.

Christopher Powell

2020-05

I have taken two classes here and it has made a big difference in my dog's behavior. They are also fantastic about answering questions and several times have taken time after class to help me work on a new behavior. And to top it all off their prices are very reasonable. I would recommend happy tails to anyone.

Annalise Hammerlund

2023-05

Happy Tails was so helpful in training our reactive dog. They're so knowledgeable and patient with the tricky behaviors our dog had.

Yvonne Johnson

2019-05

melissa is the dog whisperer of west Michigan! my Scottish Terrier puppy was very reactive in puppy class. she suggested one on one class. I had my doubts my furbaby was going to ever calm down and be able to make 4 legged friends. after one on one classes were completed she made friends with a German Shepard pup and is no longer a beast when a dog is spotted. highly recommend happy tails!! 🐶

Derek Ketchum

2018-05

We have seen a great improvement in our dog Kelsey since we have gone to a couple classes here. Melissa does a great job setting your dog up for success. I highly recommend doing a one on one training session.

Dan Gasior

2020-05

My German Shepherd puppy was really starting to become a challenge to me. I had quite a few German Shepherds growing up but dont remember the puupy phase that well I guess. Jack has been through two puppy class level, both taught by Mirrisa. Jack is doing so good now! Both from the class and from the teaching at the end of the class during the Q&A session. I'm hoping to continue there with some advanced classes

Susan Swan Tagg

2021-05

Great place, people and experience for both me and my pup. Plan on continuing our good canine citizen journey with this group of professionals.

Christopher Watts

2018-05

Doing one on one training with our Mastiff and she is great. I like her training style and she seems to understand dogs. She also sells some amazing treats that our dog loves.

French Williams

2019-05

Great 1 on 1 attention and training for our dog. We saw immediate results and the whole team provided great insights on our dog's behavior and how to address it.

Lieza Bates

2020-05

Every trainer has gone above and beyond to help get us off on the right foot with our pup. Would highly recommend both of the puppy classes!

Lisa Stewart

2019-05

Love working with Melissa and her team of trainers. It has made a huge difference in our rescue pup.